Capital of Hungary, Budapest is a simply sumptuous city. For many, it would even be the most beautiful capital of Central Europe. Are you planning to go there?
In the following content, we propose you to discover our selection of the 10 best activities to do in Budapest, for a stay in the heart of Hungary difficult to forget.
What to do in Budapest?
Are you in Budapest or do you want to go there in the next few weeks or months? In order to help you get organized, here is our selection of the 10 most important things to do in Budapest.
1. Palace of Parliament
The Palace of Parliament in Budapest is the main activity to do in the Hungarian capital. It is one of the most imposing buildings in Hungary. There are hundreds of offices of parliamentarians and other elected officials.
You can visit it with a guide. Sessions are held every day. An impressive building that you can also see in its full width on the other side of the Danube.
2. Széchenyi Baths
Bathing at the Széchenyi Baths is probably the most iconic activity in Budapest. It is very simple. On the spot, you will be surprised and amazed by the grandeur of the place. The place is exceptional. Finnish sauna, swimming pool, cold baths, hot baths…
There is something for everyone. You will even find outdoor pools. The ideal place to relax for a few hours.
Good to know
Near the baths, you will find some of the best brunches in Budapest! Why not take advantage of it?
3. Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is the oldest bridge in Budapest. It is also the most famous viaduct on the Danube. It was opened in 1849 and took 20 years to build. It is very appreciated by the visitors who do not stop posing in front of it, for impressive pictures.
Indeed, the bridge is gigantic. However, avoid climbing on it, at the risk of finding yourself swimming in the Danube after one hell of a fall!
4. The Budapest Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera, more commonly known as the Budapest Opera House, is often perceived as one of the most beautiful buildings in Hungary. It must be said that the interior is breathtaking. Built between 1875 and 1884, it is 4 stories high.
The ceiling is illuminated by a huge chandelier, which gives life to the painting above it. An important place, which is part of our list of unmissable activities in Budapest. It is located at ndrássy út 22.
5. The Fishermen’s Bastion
The Fishermen’s Bastion is a lookout located on the castle hill in Budapest. It offers a spectacular view of the city. A pleasure walk, this place is very popular with visitors and tourists who rush to take nice pictures.
The panorama is, it is true, rather impressive. So don’t forget your camera or your smartphone, for amazing pictures.
6. The Heroes’ square
On the Heroes’ Square (Hosök tere), you will find one of the most emblematic monuments of Budapest. It symbolizes the seven chiefs of the Magyars, who are said to have led the Hungarian people from Central Asia to the Carpathian basin.
At the top, at the summit, is the archangel Gabriel. On the sides are two columns depicting important Hungarian figures.
7. Buda Castle
The Buda Castle is one of the most famous monuments in Budapest. The view of the city from there is simply incredible. Quite high, you can go there by funicular! The funicular, inaugurated in 1870, is the second oldest in the world.
It is a very good way to get there but also to admire the view, especially in the evening, when the lights offer an impressive ballet (the funicular remains open until 10 pm).
8. The Danube promenade
The Danube promenade is the place to be for young people in the summertime. During the day, it is also the ideal place to walk around if you want to get some fresh air and see some of the most famous and important sights of the Hungarian capital in a few minutes.
Gellert, Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion, you will see everything.
9. The House of Terror
Despite its name, the house of terror is not that scary… But it is. The stories they tell are perplexing. The place, converted into a museum, organizes exhibitions about the successive fascist and communist regimes that ruled Hungary during the 20th century.
It is the former headquarters of the Hungarian fascist party before being used as a prison and then a place of torture. In short, a place that takes the guts. This Budapest must-see is located at Andrássy út 60.
10. The Covered Market
The Budapest Covered Market is the place to be if you love good smells, good products and the hustle and bustle. It’s very simple, you will find stalls selling everything: cheese, meat, fish, alcohol, local products… A few restaurants also allow you to take a few minutes to have a drink or a good plate.
Find out about Budapest and its secrets
Feel like reading a bit more about Budapest? Have a look at some of our content:
- The best restaurants in Budapest, for local food
- The best bars and ruins-bars in Budapest, for a great night out,
- Everything you need to know about brothels in Budapest.